Community Corner: 'Tis the season for giving!

BY AMY ASMAN

Some well-known Northern Santa Barbara County organizations are in the giving mood this month. Thanks to Wells Fargo and local residents, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County distributed 2,075 turkeys and 2,000 chickens to families in need this Thanksgiving. The community also donated $26,100, which Wells Fargo generously matched with $25,000.

“At Wells Fargo, we are always eager to support our community,” district manager Mark Corella said in a press release. “The Foodbank is making a difference in so many lives, and we are pleased to be a partner in their efforts.”

More recently, the Chumash Casino Resort’s 10th annual Toys For Tots benefit concert on Dec. 14 raised $25,000 for the Central Coast Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots campaign, which serves children in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Headlining this year’s Toys For Tots benefit concert was the Jamie O’Neal and Friends Acoustic Christmas show, which featured Australian country music star O’Neal and up-and-coming artists, such as Rachele Lynae and Cali Rodi.

“Toys For Tots gives children in our community the opportunity to enjoy the holidays,” said Vincent Armenta, tribal chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, in a press release. “It’s an organization that provides a positive impact on our children, and we are happy to support its mission through our annual benefit concert.”